Beneath the Surface

This isn’t a ‘gotcha’ situation. If your intentions are pure, or if you’re not fully informed on this issue, we’ll sense that and we’ll handle the situation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the rules and regulations. At the end of the day, if we board your boat and locate an illegal substance, we will seize the substance and cite accordingly.”

Tips for boaters What if you have a prescription for medical marijuana? Hockenberry says to be sure you have your medical card on you — and that you don’t have more than the prescribed amount of cannabis aboard.

“If we do board your boat, we’ll be checking IDs and verifying everyone’s information,” Hockenberry says. “If you don’t have your card, we can’t verify the prescription belongs to you. And if you have more than your allotted amount, it may look as if you have an intent to sell. Again, we have no means to verify the accuracy of the medical prescription card; all we are doing is checking it against your ID.”

She reminds boaters that the owner/operator is responsible for the vessel and all those aboard.

Krieg agrees, noting that it’s not as simple as seeing or smelling a joint anymore. In an era of THC-infused edibles and cocktails, boat operators might not know who has what.

Skippers can also post clear notification in their boats: No illegal drugs. Krieg’s firm has created a “Zero-Tolerance” sticker that covers cannabis, other drugs and weapons (available at BOATERSLOCKER .COM).

“The label makes it clear that you and the USCG are in agreement on zero-tolerance policies,” he says.

In the end, other than exceptions for medical users that would have to be approved by a higher boarding officer authority, the USCG guidance is simple: Don’t bring cannabis aboard, period.

“Just don’t do it,” Hockenberry says. “Leave it at home. There are lots of you, and there aren’t so many of us who are out enforcing laws. Do the right thing, even when nobody is looking. We just want to keep our waterways safe.” ★

HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/ editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years. Visit her website at

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 40’7”

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